Atchison County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Atchison County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 43K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Shelby clay loams, 7 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palermo-Knox complex, 10 to 18 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Armster clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, frequently flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armster clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gosport silty clay loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec-Colo silt loams, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox-Gosport complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby-Steinauer loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palermo silty clay loam, 18 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Shelby clay loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chase silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.